Power Batteries

Batteries in Kenya: coin cells and 9V

This collection covers small batteries for everyday electronics: CR2032 and CR1220 lithium coin cells used as CMOS batteries on motherboards, and 9V batteries in rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions. They suit computers, remote controls, detectors, meters and other low-power devices.

How to choose the right battery

• Type number: coin cells are named by size. CR2032 is a 20mm cell, 3.2mm thick; CR1220 is 12mm across and 2.0mm thick. They are not interchangeable.
• Voltage: both coin cells here are 3V lithium. A 9V battery uses the PP3 (6F22) snap connector.
• Rechargeable or disposable: disposable cells are simple and hold charge on the shelf; rechargeables save money in devices that drain often.
• Chemistry: the rechargeable 9V in this range is nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH).

Batteries in this collection

When to replace a CMOS battery

• The computer loses its date and time after being unplugged.
• You see BIOS or CMOS checksum errors at start-up.
• Settings reset every time the PC powers off.

Look at the old battery before ordering: the code is printed on it. For laptop packs see laptop batteries, and for mains backup see UPS units.

Coin cell comparison

Both are 3V lithium manganese dioxide cells, but the CR2032 holds roughly six times the charge of the CR1220 and the two do not fit the same holder. CR1220 cells are often used in a holder rather than soldered in. Capacity depends on the load and end voltage, so datasheets differ slightly between makers.

9V batteries: rechargeable or disposable?

The DBGold rechargeable is listed as a 600mAh nickel-metal hydride cell rated for several hundred recharge cycles, which suits devices that are used often, such as multimeters or wireless microphones. The GETTOP disposable 9V suits low-drain, long-wait devices such as smoke detectors, where a rechargeable's self-discharge is a disadvantage. Whichever you pick, check the polarity of the snap connector and replace smoke-detector batteries on the manufacturer's schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Which CMOS battery does my PC use? Most desktop motherboards use a CR2032; check the existing battery.

Can I recharge a lithium coin cell? No. Only recharge batteries sold as rechargeable.

How many times can the DBGold 9V be recharged? The listing quotes up to 500 to 1000 cycles, depending on use and charging.

Order from Adepta Technologies, with delivery in Nairobi and across Kenya.